60 Most Common Chinese Surnames and Their Meanings

Chinese surnames are more than just family labels—they’re windows into history, culture, and identity. From ancient royal lineages to symbolic meanings rooted in nature and philosophy, each surname carries stories spanning thousands of years. Did you know “王” (Wáng) originally meant “king,” reflecting noble origins, while “李” (Lǐ) traces back to plum trees symbolizing resilience? Or that “叶” (Yè) evokes flourishing leaves, and “钟” (Zhōng) represents unity through the harmony of bells? In this blog, we explore 60 of China’s most common surnames, unveiling their origins, legendary figures, and cultural significance. Whether your own surname is on the list or not, you’ll discover how these names connect generations, preserve traditions, and mirror the richness of Chinese heritage. Let’s dive in!

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60 Most Common Chinese Surnames

1. 王 (Wáng) – Wang

Meaning “king,” Wang originated from descendants of royal families in the Shang and Zhou dynasties. Some branches adopted the surname after ancestors were enfeoffed as lords or officials. Historically dominant, it symbolizes nobility (e.g., Lord Xinling of the Warring States period). Today, it’s China’s most common surname, with around 100 million people.

Annotation: “Enfeoffed” refers to land grants by rulers in feudal China. “Warring States period” (475–221 BCE) was an era of divided kingdoms before China’s unification.

When choosing a first name, many families consider how it pairs with traditional Chinese girl names and their meanings

2. 李 (Lǐ) – Li

Derived from “plum tree” (李/lǐ), Li traces back to a Shang official who changed his surname to avoid persecution. It flourished during the Tang dynasty (618–907 CE) as the imperial family’s surname. Notable figures include poet Li Bai and Emperor Li Shimin. Today, over 95 million people bear this surname, representing resilience.

Annotation: The Tang dynasty is often called China’s “Golden Age” for its cultural and military achievements.

3. 张 (Zhāng) – Zhang

Linked to the invention of the bow, Zhang’s origin is tied to the legendary figure Hui (grandson of the Yellow Emperor). It also comes from a Jin dynasty official named Xie Zhang. Associated with creativity (e.g., Zhang Heng, inventor of the seismoscope), it’s the third-most-common surname (~88 million people).

Annotation: The Yellow Emperor is a mythical ancestor of Chinese civilization. A “seismoscope” was an ancient earthquake detector.

4. 刘 (Liú) – Liu

From the Yao Emperor’s descendants enfeoffed in Liu territory. It became China’s “imperial surname” during the Han dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE) under Emperor Liu Bang. Some adopted it from assimilated nomadic groups. Liu Bei, founder of Shu Han in the Three Kingdoms era, is iconic. Today, ~70 million people share this surname.

Annotation: The Han dynasty established China’s long-lasting bureaucratic system. The “Three Kingdoms” (220–280 CE) is a legendary era romanticized in literature.

5. 陈 (Chén) – Chen

Descendants of Emperor Shun were granted the state of Chen (modern Henan). Migrating south during the Jin dynasty (266–420 CE), it became dominant in southern China. Modern figures like Chen Duxiu (co-founder of the CCP) highlight its legacy. Globally, ~63 million people bear this surname.

Annotation: The CCP refers to the Chinese Communist Party, established in 1921.

6. 杨 (Yáng) – Yang

Originating from the Zhou-enfeoffed state of Yang, it also came from the Jin official Yangshe Xi. The Sui dynasty (581–618 CE) emperor Yang Jian unified China. Modern physicist Yang Zhenning is notable. With ~46 million people, it symbolizes strength (like poplar trees).

Annotation: The Sui dynasty pioneered the Grand Canal, a monumental engineering project.

Surnames also play an important role in the structure and flow of meaningful Chinese boy names.

7. 黄 (Huáng) – Huang

From the ancient Huang state (modern Henan), destroyed in the Spring and Autumn period (771–476 BCE). Lord Chunshen (Huang Xie), a Warring States politician, is iconic. Prevalent among Hakka communities, it represents loyalty. Current population: ~35 million.

Annotation: The Hakka are a Han Chinese subgroup with a distinct migratory history.

8. 赵 (Zhào) – Zhao

Enfeoffed in Zhao territory during the Zhou dynasty, it became the Song dynasty’s (960–1279 CE) imperial surname. Zhao Kuangyin, founder of the Song, famously consolidated power by dismissing military leaders through a banquet. Today, ~30 million people bear this northern China-centric surname.

Annotation: The Song dynasty is celebrated for advancements in art, technology, and governance.

9. 周 (Zhōu) – Zhou

From the Zhou dynasty’s royal descendants or officials like Zhou Chang. Notable figures include Zhou Yu (Three Kingdoms strategist) and writer Lu Xun (born Zhou Shuren). It represents ritual traditions, with ~27 million people today.

Annotation: Lu Xun (1881–1936) is considered the father of modern Chinese literature.

Many Chinese surnames are historically connected to ancient Chinese symbols and their meanings, reflecting status, nature, or cultural beliefs.

10. 吴 (Wú) – Wu

From the Zhou-established state of Wu (modern Jiangsu). Its cultural ethos emphasizes humility, inspired by founder Taibo’s three refusals of the throne. Painter Wu Daozi and general Wu Qi are historical icons. Population: ~33 million, mainly in southern China.

11. 徐 (Xú) – Xu

Descendants of the legendary figure Boyi were enfeoffed in the Xu state (modern Anhui). The surname became famous through Xu Fu, a Qin dynasty alchemist who allegedly sailed east seeking immortality. Ming dynasty traveler Xu Xiake wrote Travel Diaries, pioneering geographical studies. The Xu surname symbolizes steadiness and exploration. Population: ~22 million, concentrated in Jiangsu and Zhejiang.

Annotation: “Enfeoffed” means granted land by a ruler. Xu Fu’s voyage is often linked to myths about discovering Japan or mythical islands.

12. 孙 (Sūn) – Sun

Originating from Sunshu’ao, a Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BCE) official in Wei, and Tian Shu, a Qi general rewarded with the surname Sun (grandfather of military strategist Sun Wu). Sun Quan founded the Eastern Wu kingdom (Three Kingdoms era), and Sun Yat-sen led China’s 1911 revolution. Population: ~20 million.

Annotation: Sun Wu (孙子/Sun Tzu) wrote The Art of War. Sun Yat-sen is hailed as the “Father of Modern China.”

13. 马 (Mǎ) – Ma

Derived from Zhao She, a Warring States general titled “Lord Mafu,” whose descendants shortened the title to Ma. Spread westward via the Silk Road, it’s common among Hui Muslims. Historical figures include Ma Chao (Three Kingdoms general) and Marco Polo (Chinese: 马可·波罗). Symbolizes bravery and travel. Population: ~19 million.

Annotation: The Hui are a Chinese Muslim ethnic group. Marco Polo’s Chinese name reflects phonetic adaptation.

14. 朱 (Zhū) – Zhu

From the Zhou-enfeoffed Zhu state (modern Shandong). The surname peaked during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644) under Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang. Philosopher Zhu Xi systematized Neo-Confucianism. The color red (朱/zhū) symbolizes nobility. Population: ~18 million, mainly in eastern China.

Annotation: Neo-Confucianism shaped East Asian ethics and governance for centuries.

15. 胡 (Hú) – Hu

Descendants of the Zhou-era Hu state, later adopted by ethnic groups like the Xiongnu (Huns). Modern figures include Hu Shi (philosopher) and Hu Xueyan (Qing dynasty merchant). The surname represents inclusivity and cultural fusion. Population: ~17 million.

Annotation: The Xiongnu were nomadic rivals of Han China. Hu Shi promoted vernacular Chinese in the early 20th century.

16. 郭 (Guō) – Guo

Originated from the Zhou-enfeoffed Guo state. Guo Ziyi suppressed the An Lushan Rebellion (Tang dynasty), and Guo Shoujing revolutionized astronomy. The surname symbolizes guardianship (郭/guō means “city walls”). Population: ~16 million, mostly in northern China.

Annotation: The An Lushan Rebellion (755–763 CE) nearly toppled the Tang dynasty.

17. 何 (Hé) – He

Adopted by Han nobles fleeing the fall of Korea’s Gojoseon kingdom and by the Xianbei tribe’s “Hebai” clan. Scholars like He Shaoji (Qing calligrapher) exemplify its cultural legacy. Symbolizes harmony. Population: ~15 million.

Annotation: The Xianbei were a nomadic people who influenced northern Chinese dynasties.

18. 林 (Lín) – Lin

Arose when Prince Bi Gan’s son fled to Changlin Mountain after his father’s execution (Shang dynasty). Figures include Mazu (sea goddess Lin Moniang) and Lin Zexu (Qing anti-opium hero). Symbolizes resilience and protection. Population: ~14 million, dominant in Fujian.

Annotation: Mazu worship is widespread among coastal Chinese communities.

19. 高 (Gāo) – Gao

Descendants of Jiang Ziya (Zhou dynasty strategist) enfeoffed in Gao (Henan). Northern Qi emperor Gao Huan and poet Gao Shi are notable. Symbolizes nobility and wisdom. Population: ~14 million, concentrated in Shandong.

Annotation: Jiang Ziya is a semi-mythical figure in Chinese military lore.

20. 郑 (Zhèng) – Zheng

From the Zhou-enfeoffed Zheng state (Shaanxi). Zheng Chenggong expelled Dutch colonizers from Taiwan, and Zheng He led epic Ming naval expeditions. Symbolizes pioneering spirit. Population: ~13 million, prevalent in coastal regions.

Annotation: Zheng He’s voyages (1405–1433) reached East Africa, showcasing Ming China’s maritime power.

21. 罗 (Luó) – Luo

Descendants of the ancient Luo state (Hubei). Luo Guanzhong authored Romance of the Three Kingdoms, and Luo Ronghuan was a PLA founding marshal. Symbolizes “gathering talents.” Population: ~12 million, common in Hunan and Jiangxi.

Annotation: Romance of the Three Kingdoms is one of China’s Four Great Classical Novels.

22. 梁 (Liáng) – Liang

From the Zhou-enfeoffed Liang state (Shaanxi). Liang Qichao advocated modernization in the late Qing, and the “Butterfly Lovers” legend (梁山伯/Liang Shanbo) is iconic. Symbolizes connection. Population: ~11 million, dominant in Guangdong and Guangxi.

Annotation: The “Butterfly Lovers” is a Chinese Romeo-and-Juliet-style folktale.

23. 谢 (Xiè) – Xie

From the Zhou-enfeoffed Xie territory (Henan). Xie An masterminded the Battle of Fei River (383 CE), and Xie Lingyun pioneered landscape poetry. Symbolizes gratitude. Population: ~10 million, mainly in southern China.

Annotation: The Battle of Fei River secured Eastern Jin survival against northern invaders.

24. 宋 (Sòng) – Song

The surname comes from the ancient State of Song, granted by King Wu of Zhou to Weizi Qi, the brother of the last Shang king. Later people took the state name as their surname. Notable figures include Song Yingxing, who wrote Tiangong Kaiwu (The Exploitation of the Works of Nature), and Soong Mei-ling, a prominent modern political figure. With about 9.6 million people today, the name symbolizes cultural heritage.

Annotation: Tiangong Kaiwu is a famous Ming dynasty encyclopedia of technology, often seen as a precursor to modern science in China.

25. 唐 (Táng) – Tang

Named after the State of Tang, which was granted to King Cheng of Zhou’s younger brother, Shuyu (in modern Shanxi). The Tang dynasty’s glory helped the name spread widely. Famous bearer: Tang Yin (also known as Tang Bohu), a gifted poet and painter. With about 9.5 million people today, the name implies prosperity and strength.

Annotation: The Tang dynasty (618–907 CE) is considered a golden age of Chinese arts, poetry, and international trade.

26. 许 (Xǔ) – Xu

The surname comes from the State of Xu, granted by King Wu of Zhou to Wen Shu, a descendant of the Flame Emperor. Notables include Xu Shen, author of Shuowen Jiezi (an early Chinese dictionary), and Xu Guangping, the companion of writer Lu Xun. Common in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, with around 9 million people, the name symbolizes promise.

Annotation: Shuowen Jiezi is the first comprehensive Chinese character dictionary, analyzing the structure and meaning of characters.

27. 邓 (Dèng) – Deng

Derived from the State of Deng, where King Wu of Shang enfeoffed his uncle (in today’s Henan). Notable figures: Deng Xiaoping, architect of China’s reform era, and Deng Shichang, a naval hero in the war against Japan. Mostly found in Hunan and Guangdong, with about 8.5 million people, the name conveys stability.

Annotation: Deng Xiaoping’s policies in the late 20th century transformed China’s economy and opened it to the world.

28. 冯 (Féng) – Feng

Originates from Feng city in modern Shaanxi, granted to Bi Wan, a descendant of King Wen of Zhou. The name comes from a place, not a state. Famous figures: Feng Menglong, author of the Three Words story collections, and Feng Yuxiang, a modern military leader. Common in northern China, with about 8.2 million people, the name implies speed and vitality (linked to its ancient meaning of “galloping horse”).

Annotation: Feng Menglong’s Three Words are classic storybooks from the Ming dynasty, full of folk tales and morality plays.

29. 韩 (Hán) – Han

From the area of Han Plain in modern Shaanxi, granted to a descendant of King Wu of Zhou. Han Fei was a representative of Legalist thought, and Han Xin was a key general in founding the Han dynasty. Popular in northern China, with about 8 million people, the name also carries the poetic image of a resilient plum blossom (due to a sound pun with “寒” meaning cold).

Annotation: Han Feizi’s writings deeply influenced Chinese governance and were a cornerstone of Legalist philosophy.

30. 曹 (Cáo) – Cao

Derived from the State of Cao (in today’s Shandong), granted to Shuzhen Duo, younger brother of King Wu of Zhou. Key historical figures: Cao Cao, the warlord who founded the Wei kingdom, and Cao Xueqin, author of Dream of the Red Chamber. Concentrated around the Yangtze River, with about 7.8 million people, the name stands for literary talent and political strategy.

Annotation: Dream of the Red Chamber is one of China’s greatest novels, offering a rich portrait of Qing dynasty aristocracy.

31. 蔡 (Cài) – Cai

Originating from the Cai state (modern Henan), founded by Shu Du, son of King Wen of Zhou. Notable figures include Cai Lun (Han dynasty inventor of paper) and Cai Yuanpei (modern educator). The Cai surname, symbolizing wisdom and innovation, is concentrated in Fujian and Taiwan, with ~7 million people.

Annotation: The Han dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE) was a golden age for Chinese science and culture.

32. 彭 (Péng) – Peng

Descendants of Zhuanxu’s lineage, notably Peng Zu (legendary figure said to live 800 years), were enfeoffed in Pengcheng (modern Jiangsu). Peng Dehuai, a founding marshal of China, is a modern representative. The surname, symbolizing longevity, has ~6 million people, mostly in Hunan and Sichuan.

Annotation: Zhuanxu is one of the mythical “Five Emperors” in early Chinese history.

33. 萧 (Xiāo) – Xiao

From the Xiao state (modern Anhui), granted to descendants of Wei Ziqi of the Shang dynasty. Xiao Yan founded the Liang dynasty, while Xiao He helped Liu Bang establish the Han. Now often written as “肖,” it symbolizes solemnity and order, with ~6 million people.

Annotation: The Liang dynasty (502–557 CE) was part of China’s Southern and Northern Dynasties era.

34. 潘 (Pān) – Pan

Originating from the Pan fiefdom (Shaanxi) granted to Ji Sun, a Zhou royal descendant. Pan Chong, a Chu state official, also contributed to the surname. Known for Pan An (ancient “ideal man”) and Pan Tianshou (modern painter), it has ~5.8 million people, mainly in Guangdong and Jiangsu.

Annotation: Pan An’s beauty became a cultural metaphor for male attractiveness.

35. 董 (Dǒng) – Dong

Granted by Emperor Shun to Dong Fu, a dragon-taming official. Dong Zhongshu promoted Confucianism in the Han dynasty, while Dong Qichang was a Ming painter. Symbolizing wisdom and heritage, it has ~5.7 million people in Shandong and Hebei.

Annotation: “Dragon-taming” (豢龙氏) was a mythical role linked to ancient rituals.

36. 袁 (Yuán) – Yuan

Descendants of Emperor Shun’s lineage simplified “辕” to Yuan. Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu were warlords in the Three Kingdoms era, while Yuan Longping revolutionized rice farming. With ~5.5 million people in Henan, it reflects ambition and legacy.

Annotation: Yuan Longping’s hybrid rice significantly reduced global hunger.

37. 于 (Yú) – Yu

From the Yu state (Henan), granted to Yu Shu, son of King Wu of Zhou. The surname later dropped the “邑” (town) radical. Figures include Yu Zhining (Tang prime minister) and Yu Qian (Ming hero). Symbolizing humility, it has ~5.4 million people in Shandong and Northeast China.

Annotation: The “邑” radical often denotes geographic ties in Chinese surnames.

38. 余 (Yú) – Yu

Derived from the Qin official You Yu and later adopted by ethnic groups like the “Tiemu.” Known for scholars like Yu Huai (Qing dynasty) and Yu Guangzhong (modern poet), it symbolizes abundance and has ~5.3 million people in Hubei and Sichuan.

Annotation: “余” (yú) also means “surplus,” reflecting prosperity.

39. 叶 (Yè) – Ye

From the Ye fiefdom (Henan), granted to Shen Zhuliang of Chu royalty. Ye Shi was a Southern Song philosopher, while Ye Jianying was a revolutionary leader. Symbolizing growth (like leaves), it has ~5.2 million people in Guangdong and Zhejiang.

Annotation: The Southern Song (1127–1279 CE) was an era of cultural refinement.

40. 蒋 (Jiǎng) – Jiang

Founded by Bo Ling, son of the Duke of Zhou, in the Jiang state (Henan). Chiang Kai-shek (Jiang Jieshi) and Jiang Yiwu (revolutionary) are key figures. Symbolizing loyalty, it has ~5 million people in Jiangsu and Hunan.

Annotation: The 1911 Wuchang Uprising marked the end of imperial China.

41. 杜 (Dù) – Du

From the Du fiefdom (Xi’an), granted to descendants of Emperor Yao. Du Fu (“Poet Sage”) and Du Mu (Tang poet) highlight its literary legacy. Symbolizing resilience (like the hardwood Du tree), it has ~4.8 million people in Shaanxi and Sichuan.

Annotation: Du Fu’s poetry vividly depicts Tang dynasty social struggles.

42. 苏 (Sū) – Su

From the Su state (Henan), granted to descendants of Zhuanxu. The “Three Sus” (Su Xun, Su Shi, Su Zhe) dominated Song literature. Symbolizing revival and energy, it has ~4.7 million people in Guangdong and Fujian.

Annotation: Su Shi (1037–1101 CE) is among China’s greatest poets and essayists.

43. 钟 (Zhōng) – Zhong

Originating from Zhong Yi, a Chu official whose title (“Bell Officer”) became the surname. Symbolizing unity (like a bell’s sound), it has ~4.5 million people in Jiangxi and Guangdong.

Annotation: Bells were central to rituals in ancient Chinese courts.

44. 卢 (Lú) – Lu

From the Lu fiefdom (Shandong), granted to Jiang Ziya’s descendants. Symbolizing warmth (linked to “炉/lú,” meaning stove), it has ~4.3 million people in Hebei and Guangxi.

Annotation: Jiang Ziya is a legendary strategist in the Fengshen Yanyi mythos.

45. 汪 (Wāng) – Wang

From the Wang territory (Shandong), granted to a Lu state prince. Associated with water (“汪” means vast water), it has ~4.2 million people in Anhui and Zhejiang, symbolizing inclusivity.

Annotation: Wang Dayuan’s voyages inspired Zheng He’s later expeditions.

46. 田 (Tián) – Tian

Chen nobles fled to Qi, changed their surname to Tian (“field”), and later ruled Qi. Symbolizing farming and abundance, it has ~4 million people in northern China.

Annotation: The “Tian Clan’s Takeover of Qi” marked a major power shift in ancient China.

47. 方 (Fāng) – Fang

Descendants of the Yan Emperor adopted the surname from Fang Lei, a tribal leader. Figures include Fang Xiaoru (Ming scholar) and Fang Zhimin (revolutionary). Symbolizing integrity (“方” means square), it has ~3.9 million people in Zhejiang and Anhui.

Annotation: Fang Xiaoru was executed for refusing to legitimize a usurping emperor.

48. 石 (Shí) – Shi

From Shi Que (Wei official) and the Jie ethnic group (e.g., Shi Le). Shi Dakai (Taiping Rebellion) and Shi Lu (artist) are notable. Symbolizing strength (“石” means stone), it has ~3.8 million people in Henan and Shandong.

Annotation: The Jie were a nomadic group influential during the Sixteen Kingdoms period.

49. 谭 (Tán) – Tan

From the Tan state (Shandong), granted to Shaohao’s descendants. Tan Sitong (Qing reformer) and Tan Dun (composer) are key figures. Symbolizing depth (“谭” resembles “潭,” deep pool), it has ~3.7 million people in Hunan and Guangdong.

Annotation: Tan Sitong’s execution in 1898 galvanized anti-Qing sentiment.

50. 陆 (Lù) – Lu

From the Lu fiefdom (Shandong), granted to a Qi prince. Lu You (poet) and Lu Yu (tea master) highlight its legacy. Symbolizing stability (“陆” means land), it has ~3.6 million people in Jiangsu and Shanghai.

Annotation: Lu Yu’s The Classic of Tea is the world’s first monograph on tea culture.

51. 崔 (Cuī) – Cui

The Cui surname comes from the heir of Duke Ding of Qi, who gave up his position and was granted the land of Cui (now Zhangqiu, Shandong). The poet Cui Hao (Tang dynasty) and painter Cui Bai (Song dynasty) were famous bearers. Mostly found in Shandong and Hebei, around 3.5 million people bear the name today. The character “崔” suggests something tall or lofty, like a mountain.

Annotation: Qi was an ancient Chinese state. The surname “Cui” reflects noble lineage and natural imagery.

52. 程 (Chéng) – Cheng

Descendants of Chongli, a fire deity’s lineage, were granted the state of Cheng (now Luoyang, Henan) during the Zhou dynasty. They took “Cheng” as their surname. Philosophers Cheng Hao and Cheng Yi helped establish Neo-Confucianism; Cheng Yanqiu was a Peking Opera master. Common in Anhui and Hubei, about 3.4 million people have this name. “程” means standard or measurement.

Annotation: Neo-Confucianism was a revival of Confucian thought. “程” is used in words like “process” and “distance.”

53. 廖 (Liào) – Liao

Descended from the royal family of King Wen of Zhou, Bó Liào was granted the state of Liao (now Tanghe, Henan) and took its name. Revolutionary Liao Zhongkai and diplomat Liao Chengzhi were notable figures. Common in Guangdong and Fujian, with about 3.3 million people. The character “廖” suggests vastness or sparsity (related to “寥”).

Annotation: Guangdong and Fujian are southern Chinese provinces. “廖” sounds similar to “寥,” meaning few or distant.

54. 孔 (Kǒng) – Kong

From the Shang dynasty, Kong Fu Jia—descendant of King Tang—adopted “Kong” as a surname. Confucius, founder of Confucianism, made the name famous. The family held a hereditary title “Duke for Perpetuating the Sage” for generations. Mostly in Shandong, about 3.2 million people have this name. Symbolizes cultural heritage.

Annotation: Confucius (Kongzi) is one of the most influential thinkers in world history. His hometown is Qufu in Shandong.

55. 白 (Bái) – Bai

The son of Crown Prince Jian of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period was granted the land of Bai (now Xixian, Henan), taking its name. Bai Juyi was a famous Tang poet, and Norman Bethune (Bái Qiú’ēn) was a Canadian doctor who helped China. Found in Shaanxi and Shanxi, with about 3.1 million bearers. “白” means white or pure.

Annotation: Bai Juyi is known for simple, heartfelt poetry. “白” is a symbol of purity in Chinese culture.

56. 毛 (Máo) – Mao

A son of King Wen of Zhou was enfeoffed at the state of Mao (now Qishan, Shaanxi). His descendants took Mao as a surname. Mao Zedong, founding father of modern China, carried this name. Common in Zhejiang and Hunan, about 3 million people share it. “毛” means hair or something small but important.

Annotation: Mao Zedong was the leader of the Communist revolution. “毛” appears in everyday words like “fur” or “feather.”

57. 邱 (Qiū) – Qiu

Descendants of Jiang Ziya were granted the area of Yingqiu (modern Linzi, Shandong). They took “Qiu” as a surname. During the Qing dynasty, the character “丘” was altered to “邱” to avoid using Confucius’s name. Qiu Shaoyun was a Korean War hero. Common in Guangdong and Fujian, about 2.9 million people bear it. Symbolizes hills and stability.

Annotation: Confucius’s given name was “Qiu” (丘), so the Qing emperor changed it out of respect—a practice called name taboo.

58. 秦 (Qín) – Qin

Descended from Bo Yi, a horsekeeper named Feizi was granted land in Qin (now Tianshui, Gansu) by King Xiao of Zhou. His descendants adopted the name. Qin Shi Huang later united China under this name. Qin Guan was a Song dynasty poet. Common in Henan and Sichuan, with about 2.8 million people. The name symbolizes strength.

Annotation: The Qin dynasty (221–206 BCE) gave China its English name. “Qin” often evokes the idea of power and unification.

59. 江 (Jiāng) – Jiang

Descendants of Bo Yi were granted the state of Jiang (now Zhengyang, Henan) and took the name. Jiang Yan inspired the idiom “Jiang Lang’s talent is exhausted.” Jiang Zemin led China during its reform era. Found in Jiangxi and Anhui, with about 2.7 million bearers. Represents rivers and inclusiveness.

Annotation: The idiom “江郎才尽” means a person’s creative energy has run out. “江” is used in many river names.

60. 史 (Shǐ) – Shi

Descendants of Shi Yi, a court historian during the Western Zhou, took the profession as their surname. Others came from the Turkic Ashina clan who adopted Chinese names. Shi Kefa was a Ming general who resisted Qing invasion. Mostly in Shaanxi and Hebei, about 2.6 million people have this surname. “史” means history or chronicle.

Annotation: The famous historian Sima Qian wrote the “Records of the Grand Historian” (史记), foundational to Chinese historiography.

Chinese Surnames FAQ: What You Should Know

1. China has many surnames, but a few are used by most people

There are over 7,000 surnames (xìngshì 姓氏) in China today, but the top 100 cover about 85% of the population. For example, the three most common surnames — Wáng (王), Lǐ (李), and Zhāng (张) — each have nearly 100 million people using them, close to the population of Japan. This concentration comes from ancient clan systems, where people with the same surname lived together. Interestingly, many rare surnames exist only in specific regions, such as Dìwǔ (第五) — granted by Emperor Gaozu of Han, or Dú (毒) — said to be used by descendants of disgraced Tang officials who changed their name to avoid trouble. There are even surnames based on daily items, like Chái Mǐ Yóu Yán Jiàng Cù Chá (柴米油盐酱醋茶), which are considered living fossils of culture.

2. Surnames were once only for nobles, but later became common

In the early times (before the Qin Dynasty), only nobles had surnames, such as Jī (姬), Jiāng (姜), and Yíng (嬴). Ordinary people had only given names. After the Warring States period, surnames became common. During the Qin and Han dynasties, regular people started using surnames too. For instance, Liú (刘) became a top surname during the Han Dynasty, and Kǒng (孔) became famous due to Confucius and the respect he received from later emperors. Even today, some surnames are seen as noble, such as Jī (姬) from the Zhou royal family and Lǐ (李) from the Tang royal family — often surrounded by legendary stories.

3. The mystery of disappearing compound surnames: from Sīmǎ to Ōuyáng

Historically, there were over 2,000 compound (two-character) surnames, but today fewer than 100 are still in use — like Ōuyáng (欧阳), Shàngguān (上官), and Zhūgě (诸葛). They declined for several reasons:

• Simplification to avoid trouble, e.g. Sīmǎ (司马) was shortened to Sī (司) or Mǎ (马) after the Jin Dynasty.
  
• Ethnic blending, like the Xianbei name Tuòbá (拓跋) being changed to the Han surname Yuán (元).
  
• Cultural shift, where compound surnames are seen as exotic in books (like Lìnghú Chōng 令狐冲), but hard to write in daily life.
  Today, compound surnames make up less than 1% of the population, though Ōuyáng (欧阳) is still common in southern provinces like Guangdong and Guangxi.

4. Your surname might reveal your ancestor’s job or home

Many Chinese surnames come from ancient professions or locations:

• Occupational: Táo (陶) – potters, Tú (屠) – butchers, Bǔ (卜) – fortune-tellers.
  
• Location-based: Dōngmén (东门) – those who lived near the east gate, Nángōng (南宫) – officials who lived on the south side of the palace.
  
• Nature-based: Jiāng (江), Hé (河), and Shān (山) — directly from rivers and mountains.
  Some surnames even reflect ancient popularity, like Chē (车) — from generals in the Han Dynasty, or Qián (钱) — from officials managing finances in the Zhou Dynasty. These names act as clues to family history.

5. The meaning behind “never change your name or surname”

Chinese people take surnames very seriously, more than in many other cultures. This comes from the family-based social system:

• Genealogy books: By the Ming and Qing dynasties, most families had detailed records of their ancestry, with the surname being a symbol of bloodline.
  
• Name taboos: In the past, you couldn’t say your elders’ names directly. Even similar-sounding characters had to be changed (like Guānshìyīn 观世音 became Guānyīn 观音 to avoid Emperor Taizong of Tang’s name).
  
• Clan halls (tánghào 堂号): Large families used hall names to identify branches, such as the Lǐ (李) clan’s Lǒngxī Hall 陇西堂, or the Wáng (王) clan’s Tàiyuán Hall 太原堂.
  Even today, surnames remain powerful symbols. In 2018, villagers in one area refused to change a highway’s name because the original one included their ancestral surname.

China Travel Planning Guide&FAQ